Stratfor Asks: Is Musharraf Lying to Washington or Is He Not in Control - Pakistan

South Asia Tribune / STRATFOR ^ | George Friedman and Kamran Bokhari

[gdani]

Let's see -- A military dictator who seized power through a coup & then re-wrote the nation's laws to give himself ultimate power.

And we're surprised when he lies to us?

[Rockingham]

This analysis is distressingly well-founded. Pakistan's alliance with and support for Islamic extremism has been a core principle of its military and intelligence strategy for decades. That alliance is seen as strengthening Pakistan against India and other enemies and as helping generate support for the military in domestic politics. In addition, Muslim regimes have long recognized that restive domestic populations must be given outlets for conflict lest their destructive energies be turned against their rulers.

From the US standpoint, Musharraf's weakness and unreliability as an ally against Bin Laden may well be tolerable against greater dangers: an Islmamist regime in power and bent on terrorism and nuclear proliferation; or having a Paki nuke loaded into the cargo hold of a civilian airliner for a quick and devastating trip to the US. Musharraf and his shaky regime are better than any likely alternative.

[jackieaxe]

Is Musharraf Lying to Washington or Is He Not in Control?


This would also be a relevant question for the Saudi Royal family, because if they are in control we should be at war with them.